INDIAN RIVER LAND TRUST ANNUAL BENEFIT 2011
Full Moon on the Lagoon Prosperity

2011 Annual Benefit at Rock City Gardens

In celebration of over 21 years of land and water conservation, the Indian River Land Trust focused its Annual Benefit on the importance of Land, Water, and Wildlife. Over 400 people registered for the event. In conjunction with the major benefit sponsorship levels, the Indian River Land Trust garnered sponsorship support from 58 companies and individuals, generating a 67% increase in net revenue from the previous year. The great success of the Annual Benefit has further inspired the Land Trust Board and staff to move forward with the Land Trust's initiative to Save our Indian River Lagoon.

In celebration of over 21 years of land and water conservation, the Indian River Land Trust focused the benefit on the importance of Land, Water, and Wildlife. Three major sponsorship levels helped to support these mainstays of our environment: Stephanie and Orin Smith as Presenting Sponsor; Dick and Sally Brickman as the Event Sponsor; and Bill and Laura Buck, George E. Warren Corporation, and Long Shadows Cattle Co. owners Beth and Ray Smith as Lead Conservation Sponsors.

Over 400 people registered for the event which highlighted the 2nd Annual Indian River Land Trust Art Gallery. In conjunction with the major benefit sponsorship levels, the Indian River Land Trust garnered sponsorship support from 58 companies and individuals, generating a 67% increase in net revenue from the previous year.

Fresh from the 185-acre purchase of the South Vero Conservation Land this September, the great success of the Annual Benefit has further inspired the Land Trust Board and staff to move forward with the Land Trust's initiative to Save our Indian River Lagoon.

Indian River Land Trust Board Chair Stephanie Smith remarked "The Indian River Land Trust is leading the way in our county for the protection and preservation of environmentally important lands. In just the current year alone IRLT has achieved remarkable success. We move into 2012 energized by the successful preservation of more than 450 acres of conservation land and four miles of shoreline."

---

2nd Annual Art Gallery Success

In the vibrant atmosphere at Rock City Gardens in Wabasso, the Indian River Land Trust art gallery proved to be an attractive and popular feature of its 8th Annual Benefit. Sheltered under its own tent with professional lighting and donated art panels, guests and artists alike conversed over the variety of artwork which included oils on canvas, watercolors, bronzes, and rakus. Each piece selected for the gallery by a volunteer committee encompassed the beauty and importance of the Indian River Lagoon.

In its second year at the Land Trust's Annual Benefit, the gallery raised over $5,000 in contributions from art sales by guests. All of the 16 participating artists agreed to donate at least 50% of their respective work's total value. The gallery proceeds, together with sponsorship support from 58 companies and individuals, generated a 67% increase in net revenue from the previous year. Britain Hogan, a member of the IRLT Art Gallery Committee expressed that "It was a joy to work with the artists and other committee members in creating support for land conservation, local artisans, and the Indian River Land Trust." The Art Committee played an integral role in the selection of the artwork for the Annual Benefit.

To increase awareness of the art before the event, the Indian River Land Trust launched an online art gallery where participating artists displayed additional pieces for sale. Sean Clinton, also a member of the IRLT Art Committee noted that "The online gallery this year brought great awareness to the physical gallery. The gallery itself has brought more attention to IRLT and its cause through local artists' participation."